Verstappen Changes Number for 2026: The 3 in Honor of Ricciardo
Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen will compete with number 3 in the 2026 season, a significant change from the 33 that has accompanied him throughout his career. This decision honors Daniel Ricciardo, who previously used this number. Sources indicate that Verstappen personally requested Ricciardo’s permission to use the number. Formula 1 regulations allow drivers to choose a specific number that will accompany them throughout their careers. The rules state that a number can only be reused after two seasons of inactivity. This allowed Verstappen to consider the change after Ricciardo’s last race at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.
Since 2022, Verstappen has raced with the number 1 on his car as world champion, but Lando Norris will use it in 2026 after winning the title in Abu Dhabi. Champions have the option to use number one, as Verstappen did, although Lewis Hamilton kept his number 44 when he was champion. Ricciardo used the number 3 when he was Verstappen’s teammate between 2016 and 2018, and until his last race at the Singapore Grand Prix of 2024. Ricciardo revealed that Verstappen was one of the few drivers who contacted him to find out how he was after his unexpected exit.Verstappen joked last year saying he wanted to race with the number 69, but his father, Jos, convinced him otherwise.
Verstappen
